Practical Apologetics: Clear Answers for the Everyday Christian

Kenneth Willis
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Practical Apologetics is here to provide clear, Biblical answers to common questions about the Christian faith. Each short, practical episode is designed to help everyday Christians understand and defend what they believe and why they believe it. As Christians, we are called to be able to give a respectful response to those who ask us “Why?” we believe what we do, as outlined in 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” https://ko-fi.com/practicalapologetics

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 21: Does the Bible Condone Slavery?

    Does the Bible condone slavery? It's one of the most common objections raised against Christianity. Skeptics often argue that because the Bible regulates slavery, it must therefore endorse it. But is that what Scripture actually teaches? In this episode of Practical Apologetics, we examine one of the Bible's most difficult topics by looking at the historical context of the ancient Near East, the different forms of servitude found in Scripture, and the distinction between regulating an existing institution and declaring it to be God's moral ideal. We'll also examine key passages like Exodus 21 and Leviticus 25, explore how the New Testament reshapes the relationship between master and servant, and ask whether the Bible ultimately points toward human dignity and freedom rather than oppression. Rather than avoiding the difficult passages, we'll read them carefully, compare Scripture with Scripture, and let the Bible define its own terms. Bible passages referenced:Genesis 1:27Exodus 21:2-6Exodus 21:16Exodus 21:26-27Leviticus 25:39-46Matthew 19:3-9Galatians 3:28Philemon 1:15-16Colossians 4:11 Timothy 1:10 Sources referenced:The Holy Bible (ESV) Is God a Moral Monster? Making Sense of the Old Testament God by Paul Copan Hard Sayings of the Bible by Walter C. Kaiser Jr., Peter H. Davids, F. F. Bruce, and Manfred T. Brauch The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament by John H. Walton, Victor H. Matthews, and Mark W. Chavalas The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament by Craig S. Keener The New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology and Exegesis, edited by Willem A. VanGemeren The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis, edited by Moisés Silva Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery by Eric Metaxas Support the ministry:https://ko-fi.com/practicalapologetics Practical Apologetics will always be free. But if this content has helped you and you'd like to support the work, your generosity is greatly appreciated.

  2. Jul 16

    Episode 20: How Should Christians Respond to Atheists?

    How should Christians respond to atheists? Should we debate every objection? Avoid difficult conversations? Or does Scripture give us a better model? In this milestone 20th episode of Practical Apologetics, Kenneth Willis explores how Christians can engage atheists with both truth and compassion. Rather than focusing on "winning" arguments, this episode examines the biblical call to listen well, answer thoughtfully, defend the faith with gentleness and respect, and faithfully represent Christ in every conversation. Along the way, we'll discuss common atheist objections, the role of evidence, how to respond when conversations become hostile, why apologetics matters, and why ultimately only the Holy Spirit can change a heart. Whether you're talking with a friend, family member, coworker, or someone online, this episode will help equip you to confidently and graciously defend your faith. Bible Verses Genesis 1:26–27Proverbs 18:13Matthew 22:39Matthew 24:9Luke 23:34John 11:35John 13:35Acts 17:22–31Romans 10:171 Corinthians 2:141 Corinthians 3:6–72 Timothy 2:24–25Titus 3:91 Peter 3:15Revelation 21:4 Referenced Sources The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Crossway, 2016. Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics by William Lane CraigOn Guard by William Lane CraigI Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by Norman L. Geisler and Frank TurekEvidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowellHandbook of Christian Apologetics by Peter Kreeft and Ronald K. TacelliMere Christianity by C. S. LewisWhy Believe? Christian Apologetics for a Skeptical Age by Tawa J. Anderson and Heath A. ThomasA Popular Survey of Apologetics for Today by Ron RhodesPresuppositional Apologetics: Stated and Defended by Greg L. BahnsenSupport the ministry:https://ko-fi.com/practicalapologetics Practical Apologetics will always be free. But if this content has helped you and you'd like to support the work, your generosity is greatly appreciated.

  3. Jul 9

    Episode 19: Does Hinduism Lead to Truth?

    Hinduism is one of the oldest and most influential religions in the world, shaping the beliefs of more than a billion people. It teaches concepts like karma, reincarnation, dharma, and moksha, and many believe it is simply another path to the same God Christians worship. But is that true? In this episode of Practical Apologetics, Kenneth Willis examines Hinduism's central teachings and compares them with the claims of Christianity. Is ultimate reality an impersonal force or a personal Creator? Is humanity's greatest problem ignorance or sin? Can karma provide justice without forgiveness? And what does Hinduism do with the exclusive claims of Jesus Christ? Rather than attacking those who practice Hinduism, this episode respectfully examines whether Hinduism's truth claims can be reconciled with the gospel and whether they ultimately lead to truth. Bible Verses Referenced: Genesis 1:1Isaiah 45:5Romans 3:23Romans 6:23Hebrews 9:27John 14:62 Corinthians 5:21Sources: The Holy Bible (ESV)Bhagavad GitaThe UpanishadsThe Lotus and the Cross by Ravi ZachariasJesus Among Other Gods by Ravi ZachariasTruth and Transformation by Vishal MangalwadiThe Kingdom of the Cults by Walter Martin Support the ministry:https://ko-fi.com/practicalapologetics Practical Apologetics will always be free. But if this content has helped you and you'd like to support the work, your generosity is greatly appreciated.

  4. Jun 26

    Episode 18: Is Buddhism the Answer to Suffering?

    Buddhism has become one of the most influential world religions in modern culture, and even many who don’t identify as Buddhist borrow heavily from its ideas—mindfulness, detachment, meditation, and the pursuit of inner peace. But is Buddhism actually the answer to suffering? In this episode of Practical Apologetics, we examine the teachings of Buddhism and compare them to Christianity. We explore the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the Four Noble Truths, karma, anatta, samsara, and Nirvana. Most importantly, we ask whether Buddhism correctly diagnoses the human problem—or whether Scripture gives us the deeper and truer answer. Buddhism says suffering is rooted in desire. Christianity says suffering is rooted in sin. That difference changes everything. Sources: The Holy Bible The Dhammapada The Universe Next Door — James W. Sire Mere Christianity — C.S. Lewis Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus — Nabeel Qureshi Scripture Referenced: Genesis 1:27 James 1:14–15 Galatians 6:7 Ephesians 2:8–9 1 Corinthians 15 Revelation 21:4 Follow Practical Apologetics on Facebook, Spotify, and YouTube.

  5. Jun 18

    Episode 17: Is Islam Compatible with Christianity?

    Are Islam and Christianity simply two different paths to the same God? Or do their truth claims fundamentally contradict one another? In this episode of Practical Apologetics, we compare the core teachings of Christianity and Islam by examining the nature of God, the identity of Jesus, the crucifixion, salvation, and what many call the Islamic dilemma. While both faiths share certain historical figures and moral teachings, the question remains: can both be true at the same time? Sources Used:The Holy BibleQur'anSahih al-BukhariSeeking Allah, Finding JesusNo God but OneWhat Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qur'an Biblical References:Matthew 28:191 John 2:23John 1:1John 8:581 Corinthians 15:3-4Romans 5:8Ephesians 2:8-91 John 5:13 Qur’anic References:Surah 112Surah 5:73Surah 5:75Surah 4:157Surah 6:115Surah 5:46Surah 5:47Surah 10:94 Hadith Reference:Sahih al-Bukhari 5:266 Remember, faith isn’t believing without evidence. It’s trusting where the evidence leads. New episodes every Thursday.

  6. Jun 11

    Episode 16: Are Jehovah's Witnesses Christian?

    Are Jehovah's Witnesses Christian? At first glance, many people assume the answer is yes. Jehovah's Witnesses believe in Jesus, use the Bible, and actively share their faith. So why have Christians historically reached a different conclusion? In this episode, we examine what Jehovah's Witnesses believe about Jesus, the Trinity, the resurrection, and the Holy Spirit, and compare those teachings to the doctrines of historic Christianity. We'll discuss why the identity of Jesus is at the center of this debate, why the bodily resurrection matters, and why Christians throughout history have viewed Jehovah's Witness theology as fundamentally different from biblical Christianity. As always, our goal is not to attack people, but to examine truth claims in light of Scripture. Scripture References John 1:1 John 1:3 John 20:28 Titus 2:13 Hebrews 1:8 Matthew 28:19 2 Corinthians 13:14 Acts 5:3-4 1 Corinthians 15:14 Luke 24:39 John 2:19-21 Acts 13:2 John 14:26 Ephesians 4:30 Acts 17:11 1 John 4:1 Sources The Holy Bible (ESV) Reasonable Faith — William Lane Craig On Guard — William Lane Craig Putting Jesus in His Place — Robert Bowman & J. Ed Komoszewski I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist — Norman Geisler & Frank Turek Introducing Christian Doctrine — Millard Erickson So What's the Difference? — Fritz Ridenour Kingdom of the Cults — Walter Martin

  7. Jun 4

    Episode 15: Are Mormons Christian?

    Are Mormons Christian? Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints use the Bible, talk about Jesus, and often live moral, family-oriented lives. So why have Christians historically concluded that Mormonism is not a denomination within Christianity, but a separate religious system? In this episode, we compare the teachings of Mormonism with the teachings of Scripture and historic Christianity. We examine the nature of God, the identity of Jesus Christ, the Trinity, continuing revelation, salvation, exaltation, and the claim that Christianity fell into complete apostasy before being restored through Joseph Smith. This episode is not an attack on individual Mormons. Rather, it is an examination of truth claims and a comparison of doctrine with Scripture. Scripture References: Deuteronomy 6:4Psalm 90:2Isaiah 43:10Isaiah 44:6Malachi 3:6Matthew 16:18Matthew 28:19Luke 24:27John 1:1John 1:3Romans 5:1Romans 8:29Ephesians 2:8-9Colossians 1:16Galatians 1:8Jude 31 John 3:21 John 4:1 Sources: The Holy Bible (ESV)The Book of MormonDoctrine and CovenantsPearl of Great PriceTeachings of Joseph SmithKingdom of the Cults by Walter MartinMormonism 101 by Bill McKeever and Eric JohnsonReasoning from the Scriptures with the Mormons by Ron Rhodes Remember, faith isn't believing without evidence. It's trusting where the evidence leads.

  8. May 28

    Episode 14: What Is a Christian?

    What actually makes someone a Christian? Is it church attendance? Believing in God? Being a good person? Baptism? Family tradition? In this episode of Practical Apologetics, we answer one of the most foundational questions in Christianity: What is a Christian? Many people claim the Christian label, and many groups use Christian language, quote the Bible, and talk about Jesus. But what does Scripture actually say defines biblical Christianity? We’ll discuss:• What a Christian is not• Why Christianity is centered on Jesus Christ• Why there is only one biblical Jesus• The essential beliefs that define Christianity• Why redefining the gospel changes Christianity itself Whether you’re a Christian wanting clarity or a skeptic trying to understand what Christians actually believe, this episode is designed to define Christianity fairly and biblically. Reasonable Faith by William Lane Craig; Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell; I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek; The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel; Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis James 2:19; Romans 3:23; Matthew 7:21; John 1:1, 14; Romans 10:9; 2 Corinthians 11:3–4; Ephesians 4:5; 1 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 2:8–9; Galatians 1:6–8; 1 Corinthians 15; Mark 1:15; John 3:3 Sources UsedScripture References (ESV)

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Practical Apologetics is here to provide clear, Biblical answers to common questions about the Christian faith. Each short, practical episode is designed to help everyday Christians understand and defend what they believe and why they believe it. As Christians, we are called to be able to give a respectful response to those who ask us “Why?” we believe what we do, as outlined in 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” https://ko-fi.com/practicalapologetics

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